Michigan Officials To Consider Rules On Fish 'Chumming'

LANSING (AP) - State wildlife policymakers are considering whether to make rules dealing with "chumming," or luring fish by tossing organic material or bait into the water.

Michigan doesn't regulate chumming for now, but the state Natural Resources Commission will discuss the idea during a June 9 meeting in Gaylord.

Anglers who practice chumming often use fish eggs, corn, rice, noodles, oatmeal and maggots to lure fish.

It's become a divisive topic, particularly the use of fish eggs to attract steelhead trout.

The Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Division says chumming doesn't appear to be harming fish populations, but some consider it unethical.

At the June meeting, the commissioners will consider a ban on chumming with organic materials on sections of the Muskegon, Pere Marquette and Big Manistee rivers.